Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels are the kind of appetizer that disappears faster than you can say “pass me one more!” Picture tender, flavorful chicken mixed with creamy cheese, sweet-tart cranberry sauce, all rolled up in a soft flour tortilla or puff pastry and baked to golden perfection. They’re bite-sized, elegant enough for a holiday spread, yet casual enough for a weeknight snack or lunchbox surprise.
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Perfect for Parties, Holidays, and Weeknight Snacks
These pinwheels are ideal for nearly any occasion. For parties, serve them warm on a platter with dipping sauce; for family dinners or weekday snacks, they make a quick, satisfying bite. You can even prepare them ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake right before serving. Their appealing appearance and balanced flavor profile ensure that Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels will be requested again and again. The combination of soft dough, creamy filling, and sweet-tart cranberries makes them irresistible to kids and adults alike.
Ingredients for Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels
Essential Ingredients and Pantry Staples
Making Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels at home is easier than it looks, and most ingredients are probably already in your kitchen. This recipe uses tender cooked chicken, creamy cheese, and sweet-tart cranberry sauce, all rolled up in either flour tortillas or puff pastry. Using simple pantry staples like shredded chicken, cream cheese, and mayonnaise makes these pinwheels beginner-friendly while still feeling festive and special. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can enhance the flavor, but they’re optional if you want to keep things simple. This Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels Recipe is versatile, so minor substitutions won’t affect the delicious result.
| Ingredient | US Measurement | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked chicken, shredded | 2 cups | Main protein filling |
| Cream cheese, softened | 8 ounces | Adds creaminess and binds filling |
| Mayonnaise | 2 tablespoons | Keeps filling smooth |
| Cranberry sauce | ½ cup | Adds sweet-tart flavor |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | ½ cup | Extra cheesy flavor |
| Flour tortillas or puff pastry | 4 large | Wraps and rolls the filling |
| Fresh parsley or chives (optional) | 1 tablespoon, chopped | Flavor and garnish |
| Salt and pepper | to taste | Seasoning |
Tips for Substitutions and Flavor Boosts
If you don’t have cooked chicken, rotisserie chicken works perfectly. You can also swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt to make it lighter. For an extra punch of flavor, try adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a pinch of smoked paprika to the filling. The choice of wrap is flexible—puff pastry creates a flaky, elegant pinwheel, while tortillas keep them soft and easy to handle. These small tweaks let you customize your Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels without changing the core recipe.
Step-by-Step Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels Recipe Instructions
Preparing the Chicken and Cream Cheese Filling
Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine shredded cooked chicken, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, cranberry sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, and optional chopped parsley or chives. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined, creating a creamy, slightly chunky filling that’s easy to spread. The balance of sweet cranberry, savory chicken, and creamy cheese is the heart of this Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels recipe, so make sure everything is evenly incorporated.
Step 2: Lay out your tortillas or puff pastry sheets on a clean surface. Evenly spread the chicken and cranberry filling over each sheet, leaving about ½ inch of the edge free. Roll tightly from one end to the other, forming a log shape. For puff pastry, gently press the edges to seal the filling inside. Chilling the rolls for 15–20 minutes in the refrigerator makes slicing easier and helps the pinwheels hold their shape during baking.
Rolling and Baking the Pinwheels
Step 3: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Slice the chilled rolls into 1-inch pinwheels using a sharp knife, then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 1 inch apart. Bake 12–15 minutes until golden brown and lightly crisped. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. The result is perfectly baked Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels with tender filling and a slightly crispy exterior that’s perfect for parties, holiday appetizers, or casual snacks.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels Every Time
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels are simple, a few mistakes can affect their texture and appearance. One common error is overfilling the roll, which can make slicing messy or cause the filling to spill during baking. Another mistake is skipping the chilling step—cold rolls slice more cleanly and hold their shape better. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked and shredded evenly, and spread the filling consistently to get uniform pinwheels. Following these precautions ensures that your Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels come out beautifully every time.
How to Get Even Rolls and Crispy Edges
To achieve evenly sized pinwheels, use a sharp knife and cut the rolls into consistent 1-inch slices. If using puff pastry, gently seal the edges to prevent the filling from oozing out. Bake on a parchment-lined tray with slight space between each pinwheel for proper heat circulation. For extra crispiness, lightly brush the tops with a little melted butter before baking. These simple tips will give your Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels a golden, inviting finish with perfectly rolled layers.
Serving and Storing Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels
Best Ways to Serve for Parties or Snacks
Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels are a versatile appetizer that works for any occasion. Serve them warm straight from the oven on a platter for parties, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. They also taste delicious at room temperature, making them ideal for snack trays, lunchboxes, or casual family meals. Pair them with a side of ranch dressing, cranberry dipping sauce, or a light salad to make a complete appetizer experience. Bite-sized and flavorful, Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels are easy to grab and enjoy, which is why they’re a favorite for entertaining.
How to Store or Freeze Pinwheels
To keep Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze them: place the baked pinwheels in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes or until warmed through. Proper storage ensures your Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels maintain their creamy filling and crisp exterior for later enjoyment.
Flavor Variations on Classic Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels
Fun Mix-Ins and Toppings
While the classic Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels are delicious on their own, adding simple mix-ins or toppings can elevate the flavor. Try folding in chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch, or adding a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella or pepper jack for extra cheesiness. You can also drizzle a little honey or balsamic glaze on top after baking for a sweet-savory twist. These small changes allow you to customize your Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels without altering the easy, beginner-friendly method.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing Twists
Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels are naturally family-friendly, but you can make them even more appealing to kids and guests. Use mild cheddar or mozzarella instead of sharper cheeses, or swap the cranberry sauce for a cranberry-apple mixture for a slightly sweeter flavor. Mini pinwheels are perfect for parties or school snacks, while larger rolls work well for casual dinners. These simple variations keep the Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels recipe versatile, ensuring everyone enjoys them, whether at a holiday gathering, lunchbox, or casual get-together.
Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels Recipe
- Total Time: 50 mins
Description
Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels are savory and sweet bite-sized appetizers with shredded chicken, cream cheese, and cranberry sauce rolled in tortillas or puff pastry. Perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or family snacks.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- ½ cup cranberry sauce
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 large flour tortillas or puff pastry sheets
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or chives (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Mix chicken, cream cheese, mayonnaise, cranberry sauce, cheddar, parsley, salt, and pepper until creamy.
- Spread filling on tortillas or puff pastry, roll tightly, and chill 15–20 minutes.
- Slice rolls into 1-inch pinwheels, place on parchment-lined sheet, and bake at 375°F for 12–15 minutes until golden.
Notes
- Add chopped nuts, extra cheese, or drizzle honey on top for a fun twist.
- Store in airtight container or freeze for longer shelf life.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 12–15 mins + Chill Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12–16 pinwheels
FAQs About Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels Recipe
What are Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels made of?
Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels are made with shredded cooked chicken, cream cheese, mayonnaise, cranberry sauce, and shredded cheese, all rolled in a flour tortilla or puff pastry. They are baked until golden and slightly crisp.
Can I make Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and roll the pinwheels in advance, then refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Chilling the rolls before slicing helps maintain their shape.
How long do Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they stay fresh for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze baked pinwheels for up to two months.
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe and saves prep time, while still giving you tender, flavorful filling.
Can I use puff pastry instead of tortillas?
Yes, puff pastry gives a flakier, more elegant pinwheel. Flour tortillas create soft, easy-to-handle rolls, so either option works depending on your preference.
Conclusion
Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels are simple, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. With tender chicken, creamy cheese, and sweet-tart cranberry sauce rolled into bite-sized pinwheels, they’re ideal for parties, holiday gatherings, or quick family snacks. The recipe is beginner-friendly, uses easy-to-find ingredients, and is highly customizable with mix-ins or toppings. Once you try this Chicken Cranberry Pinwheels recipe, it’s sure to become a go-to appetizer that impresses friends and family while being quick and stress-free to make.